BestStart

NZ WIDE: At a BestStart education and childcare centre, children are nurtured and cared for in a warm, friendly and positive environment. Our qualified and caring teachers support children in their early years of development, from infancy right through to their first day of primary school.

BestStart Educare is New Zealand's largest early learning provider with over 275 childcare centres nationwide attended annually by around 19,000 families.

At a BestStart education and childcare centre, children are nurtured and cared for in a warm, friendly and positive environment.

Our qualified and caring teachers support children in their early years of development, from infancy right through to their first day of primary school.

BestStart Educare - Early Childhood Education & Childcare Centres

Opening in 1996, BestStart is owned by the Wright Family Foundation, a charitable Trust.

Every BestStart childcare centre is unique. Each centre acknowledges, engages with and celebrates the diversity of its families and community. Centres work with the early childhood curriculum Te Whâriki, helping to prepare our children for their successful transition to school and their exciting journey as life-long learners.

BestStart is committed to healthy nutrition and exercise to create better outcomes for children's lives. BestStart is proud to be a Star Sponsor of Plunket, and is committed to making a positive difference to children by working in partnership with parents, acknowledging they are their child's first and most precious teachers.

BestStart partnerships with families

One of the most important parts of taking care of children is our partnership with families.

We develop close relationships so that together we can best support each child.

Each child’s wonderful moments and milestones are captured and shared through one-on-one communications and portfolios. BestStart centres offer the e-portfolio Storypark, allowing parents to access real-time information about their child’s learning.

BestStart individualised care

An individual approach to each child’s care and development will be developed after observations. We prepare a plan to extend and encourage every child to reach their full potential.

Respectful relationships underlie our philosophy of caring. Experienced teachers tune into the rhythms and routines of each child and adapt to them.

Teachers are gentle ‘guiders’ who provide calm, nurturing care for young children and set up an exciting environment for them to explore.

BestStart preparing children for school

BestStart’s unique Be School Ready initiative ensures that every child is fully prepared, ready for the next stage of their learning journey.

Our passionate teachers support children in creative and critical thought processes, providing experiences that introduce early concepts of maths, science, art, reading and other curriculum areas.

Children also become familiar with the new routines they will find when they start primary school, like mat time, as well as developing essential skills in communicating with others.

New entrant teachers say children who are confident and capable when they enter the school setting have a head start.

Supported teachers, supported children

BestStart has the country’s most recognised Professional Guidance programme that supports teachers in acquiring new skills and knowledge, enabling us to be the best we can be, so children achieve great learning outcomes.

BestStart offers 20 hours free childcare

20 hours free childcare is offered for 3 to 5 year olds every week, with a range of session times available.

Contact BestStart

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